Newborn sleep is quite different from adult sleep in several ways:
- Sleep Cycles: Newborns have shorter sleep cycles compared to adults. A newborn’s sleep cycle typically lasts around 50-60 minutes, whereas an adult’s sleep cycle is around 90 minutes. This means that newborns transition between sleep stages more frequently throughout the night.
- Amount of Sleep: Newborns sleep for much longer periods than adults. Newborns typically sleep for 14-17 hours a day, with sleep being divided into multiple short naps and longer periods of sleep at night. Adults, on the other hand, require around 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- REM Sleep: Newborns spend a much larger portion of their sleep in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep compared to adults. REM sleep is important for brain development, learning, and memory consolidation. Adults, on the other hand, spend less time in REM sleep as they age.
- Sleep Patterns: Newborns do not have a set circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle like adults. They sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night, with frequent awakenings for feeding and diaper changes. Adults, on the other hand, have a more consolidated sleep pattern with longer periods of continuous sleep at night.
- Sleep Depth: Newborns have a lighter sleep compared to adults, making them more easily disturbed. This is believed to be a protective mechanism to help newborns wake up and signal for feeding or care when needed. Adults typically experience deeper, more restorative sleep.
Overall, newborn sleep is characterized by shorter sleep cycles, more time spent in REM sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and a greater need for total sleep time compared to adults.
